Task 8.1 Improvement of larval weaning feeds. In other species, essential fatty acids (EFA) and certain micronutrients (Vits A, K and D) are known to be indispensable during early weaning. The optimum levels of essential fatty acids and related micronutrients will be determined in weaning diets for meagre. Besides, meagre welfare status will be also evaluated. Learning ability will be explored by a maze test and video recording. Task 8.2 Determination of nutritional requirements to promote feed utilization, consistent growth rates and fish welfare. The essential fatty acid requirements will be examined in grow out diets for meagre by feeding six levels of docosahexaenoic, eicospentaenoic and araquidonic acids. The effect of these fatty acids on meagre growth, welfare and health status will be studied. Meagre welfare status in terms of resistance to handling stress, stress bio-markers will be also studied.